Roots stopping toilet...$1400 to fix?

Users who are viewing this thread

Rootorama

New Member
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Hello,
One of my two toilets is clogged by oak tree roots and I have a slab foundation.
Everything else seems to be fine. I'm a first time homeowners and know little about plumbing. Basically the plumber came over, used his hand held snake, pulled out some roots and said 'thats bad'. So he says he needs to jackhammer the floor, replace some pipe etc for $1400. Says if I don't my foundation will be ruined. Doesn't seem like I have bad leaks or I think the water bill would be worse but I dunno.

I thought roots in pipes were somewhat common and thats what folks like roto-rooter etc (they didnt give my quote) did...clear the pipes. With the economy being bad I always suspect repair situations to be over exaggerated and honestly dont know how to trust someone when they say in 5 minutes in need expensive work. Not that I don't trust plumbers of course its just dang 1400$!? :eek:

Any way any suggestions or what I should expect or know before I call someone else for an estimate? Thanks:D
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,946
Reaction score
3,460
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
There are outfits that will run a camera down the line and give you a DVD on the interior of the line to look at.

People that work on main lines, don't use hand snakes.
That equipement will have a large barrel for the cable and the cutter will either be a 3" or 4" for cutting roots.

There are products for killing invading tree roots.

All in all, he does seem to have a scary story though.
I wonder how often that one works.
 
Last edited:

SewerRatz

Illinois Licensed Plumber
Messages
1,681
Reaction score
10
Points
38
Location
Chicago, IL
Website
www.a-archer.net
I would call around and get a few other opinions. A good quality plumber that knows how to clean drains can get the drain cleared, and run a TV down the line to see what you are up against.

I have had to open up slabs to make sewer repairs in the past, so it is not unheard of. Just question a guy using a hand snake only and not using a power rod. One question what state are you in?
 

freeflow

Semi retired master plumber
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
alabama
roots

It sounds crazy but I once ran an extended auger (general) down a toilet and pulled out roots.I pulled the toilet and found roots growing in all around the flange.With a sharp knife and hammer and sharp chisel I cut all the roots out that I could see and poured rock (ice creme salt) all around the flange,then reset bowl.HO didnt want to pay me to cut out around flange and seal with anchor cement so I guess the roots grew back over time who knows I havent been back ????
 

Rootorama

New Member
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Hi thanks for your input. I live in Texas by the way, DFW area. Foundation problems are common here so if true I will fix it. But mentioning foundations around here is a nice way to scare people for sure...thats what I'm afraid is going on. So the plan is to look for another plumber who will clear line, look for legitimate leaks, and possibly prove if I need heavy duty work is needed etc...sound good? By the way if a leak was bad enough to screw up a foundation wouldnt I see that in water bills or on the meter? Thanks again :)
 

rwcarpenter

New Member
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I would definitely get that second opinion on that repair so your plan sounds good.

No, you would not see it in your waterbill unless the roots grow into your supply lines, this is a drain line. It would have to be a bad leak to cause major damage to the foundation, and then that would only occur over time. One thing you might get it seepage into your foundation and maybe sewer gas which smells bad and is not real good for you. A water drain leak might attract fireants and termites to hang out under your foundation when in drought conditions since they like moisture, so fixing it is probably a good idea.
 
Last edited:

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
Plumber?

That is not a "plumber" it is a shyster. No one can run a "handheld" snake down a sewer line and tell you ANYTHING about it. Much less, that it has massive roots and needs to be excavated. The only thing "not good" about it is HIM.
 

Cookie

.
Messages
5,580
Reaction score
8
Points
0
Location
Home
I use copper sulfate twice a year.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper(II)_sulfate

About 10 years ago, I paid 125 bucks for Rotor rooter to run a snake down my clean-out and they pulled out a huge thick, pile of roots. I am sure prices changed since then. Then, about 5 years ago, I had a plumber come do the same thing, but this time showed me what to use twice a year, and all has been well, thankfully, since then.
 
Last edited:

Rootorama

New Member
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Ah thanks for your help. I'm starting to feel better about my chances of getting out of this a little cheaper. I'll just have to keep getting estimates until I hit someone honest. Loads of these folks to choose from here. Should I stay away from the big rotorooter type operations...maybe look for a small company or individual? Maybe it doesn't matter. Anyways it should be worth a laugh or two I'll post what happens :)
 

Cookie

.
Messages
5,580
Reaction score
8
Points
0
Location
Home
Honestly, the best thing to do? Is to ask people you know for a referral, a neighbor especially.
 

FloridaOrange

Plumbing Designer
Messages
1,298
Reaction score
2
Points
36
Location
SW Florida
Should I stay away from the big rotorooter type operations...maybe look for a small company or individual? Maybe it doesn't matter. Anyways it should be worth a laugh or two I'll post what happens :)

Yes, stay away from them and get a real plumber.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
plumber

You probably do NOT have to have it done, in the first place. Call a plumber who will use a proper powered snake and then see what he says about the condition of the pipe.
 

MACPLUMB

In the Trades
Messages
1,080
Reaction score
83
Points
48
Location
HOUSTON, TEXAS
roots in sewer line ! !

i use copper sulfate twice a year.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/copper(ii)_sulfate

about 10 years ago, i paid 125 bucks for rotor rooter to run a snake down my clean-out and they pulled out a huge thick, pile of roots. I am sure prices changed since then. Then, about 5 years ago, i had a plumber come do the same thing, but this time showed me what to use twice a year, and all has been well, thankfully, since then.

I am sorry to tell you this cookie but you are wasting your time and money ! !
With copper sulfate used that way, the reason is if your sewer pipe has the proper slope that the copper rolls though the faster then time to do any good !
The "only" way to make it work is to stop up the drain where it tie's into the
city sewer and let it set for several hours ! !

The best product to use is "ROOT-X" because it comes in two parts one the root killer the other 1/2 half is a foaming agent that causes the pipe to
fill with the root killer then you wait two or three hours for it to take effect ! ! Without running water or sewer

yes i have used and applied both products over the years

if you have a 4" sewer clean out in your yard you can see what i mean about how fast water run"s though or ask Terry the man !
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Cookie

.
Messages
5,580
Reaction score
8
Points
0
Location
Home
Yep, that is the product I use, on the label the active ingredient it says, is copper sulfate, I am pretty sure. I just couldn't remember the name of the product. A master plumber told me to use it, Root X. I am the woman. :)
 

Cookie

.
Messages
5,580
Reaction score
8
Points
0
Location
Home
I went downstairs to the garage and got the bottle of what I use and it works well, it is called, Root Kill made by Zep, and the active ingredient is copper sulfate. This is what I was told to use by the plumber. I haven't had any problems since I have been using it.
 

Redwood

Master Plumber
Messages
7,335
Reaction score
13
Points
0
Location
Connecticut
Copper Sulfate is illegal in Connecticut.
We use Root-X, which has an active ingredient of Dichlobenil.
 

Cookie

.
Messages
5,580
Reaction score
8
Points
0
Location
Home
Sorry Gentlemen, but this is what one of your own told me to use.
So, you are suggesting, I switch?
Obviously, it is not illegal here for I buy it at HD.
How much do you know about that chemical? And, why is copper sulfate illegal there, if you know.
 
Last edited:

MACPLUMB

In the Trades
Messages
1,080
Reaction score
83
Points
48
Location
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Main line roots

sorry gentlemen, but this is what one of your own told me to use.
So, you are suggesting, i switch?
Obviously, it is not illegal here for i buy it at hd.
How much do you know about that chemical? And, why is copper sulfate illegal there, if you know.

yes "cookie" you do need to switch over the copper sulfate just lie's on the bottom of the pipe where it gets washed into the city sewer or septic tank

and as you know from your many years on this forum lot's time plumbers don't always agree on things ! !
But in the upside down world of roots many times they can grow down into the
top and sides of pipe as while as on the bottom ! !
If you want to kill out "all" of the roots you must do it one of the ways i posted ! ! !
 

Cookie

.
Messages
5,580
Reaction score
8
Points
0
Location
Home
I am kind of fond of the roots, I think I will leave them, :) Infact, today I love the roots! They even look purty...

Here is a Kiss for you... * And an extra one, too... * if you need anymore just let me know, the offer stands for a while here, what a wonderful day today is.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks